Thanks to Netflix’s irritating blocking of region-specific content libraries, anyone trying to watch boxsets, episodes or movies that aren’t available in their location is going to struggle.
Fortunately, virtual private networks (VPNs) provide a workaround for this problem by letting you mask your IP address and stream via popular services – including Netflix, Peacock, Hulu and more – as if you were somewhere else. As a result, you can watch whatever you want on streaming services, regardless of your actual location. A VPN really is the easiest way to circumvent what we call “geo-blocking”.
️🔥Best VPNs to get round Netflix blocks
My experienced team have extensively tested a wide range of VPN providers, narrowing the field down to the most trustworthy Netflix-compatible companies to pick from. I’ve produced a list of the top VPNs that support diverse content libraries, allowing you to watch literally ANYTHING on Netflix without any limitations whatsoever.
By the way, I realize that VPN services and the content they can access are in a constant state of flux. As a result, I keep my list of suggested VPNs up-to-date so that you can always choose from the best and most reliable services. I’m confident in saying that, if you use a VPN from my recommended list, you can unblock Netflix no matter where you are in the world because I have personally tested and validated each and every one of them – and do so weekly.
NordVPN gives you all of the best features without any frustrating limitations. Join Nord now via the FREE TRIAL risk-free with their money-back guarantee!
What should I look for in a Netflix-proof VPN?
Trust me, I know that choosing the right VPN for Netflix can be a pretty daunting task, as not all VPNs are equally effective in unblocking geo-restricted content. To make this process easier, my team at VPN Hound have identified several key attributes that the best VPNs for Netflix should possess:
- First and foremost, a VPN should have industry-leading unblocking capabilities and offer a wide selection of servers in different locations. This ensures that you can access any Netflix country library from anywhere in the world.
- In addition, fast download/streaming speeds are crucial for a seamless Netflix experience; with that in mind I’d say it’s strongly advisable to choose a VPN that supports the WireGuard tunneling protocol, as it’s known for high-speed performance.
- Another important consideration is the level of customer support offered by the VPN provider. It’s hugely advisable to choose a VPN that has an actual proven record of excellent customer support, with a readily available support team that can assist you in case of any issues.
- Premium Netflix VPNs often include additional streaming features, such as the SmartDNS feature to facilitate the installation of a VPN on gaming consoles or Smart TVs. Additionally, a dedicated IP can help circumvent Netflix anti-VPN technology, providing uninterrupted access to your favorite shows and movies.
- Device compatibility is also a significant (but often overlooked) factor to consider when selecting a VPN for Netflix. Choose a VPN that supports both desktop and mobile devices and allows multiple simultaneous connections, ensuring that you and your family can watch Netflix at the same time over VPN.
- Finally, pricing is also an essential factor to consider (obviously). While some VPNs can be quite expensive, others offer competitive pricing plans that are more affordable – some even offfer free trials. In short, make sure you choose a VPN that offers a pricing plan that suits your budget while providing both a reliable and effective counter-blocking / unblocking capability.
What about non-library content?
When we talk about unblocking Netflix content, we’re referring to accessing content that is not available in your region due to geo-restrictions. Netflix has different content libraries for different regions, meaning that some TV shows and movies are only available in specific countries. A VPN can help you bypass these geo-restrictions by making it look like you’re accessing Netflix from a different location, thus giving you access to a wider range of content.
In addition to unblocking Netflix libraries, some VPNs also help you to access non-library content, such as original programming and other exclusives. In this review I’ve focused on both library AND non-library content, giving you the most bang for your buck.
The Best VPNs for Netflix unblocking (Updated)
At VPN Hound, we conducted rigorous testing of 27 ‘top’ VPN services to determine their effectiveness in bypassing geo-restrictions and providing access to Netflix content across different regions. After comprehensive evaluations, we found that only six VPN providers were effective at unblocking the platform’s libraries.
Our team tested various features such as SmartDNS on different devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, to determine which VPNs offer the most seamless and reliable streaming experience.
Here is our detailed list of the top six best VPNs for Netflix:
1. NordVPN – Best for Unblocking all content
NordVPN’s fast download speeds, access to multiple Netflix libraries, and user-friendly apps make it an excellent choice for bypassing geoblocking – and it’s why we’ve picked it consistently as our number 1 VPN choice for watching Netflix.
Pros:
- 🚀 Fast download speeds with NordLynx protocol
- 🌎 Access to 21 Netflix libraries, including US, UK, France, Italy, Japan, and Germany
- 💻 User-friendly apps for multiple devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
- 🌐 Wide selection of servers across 60 countries, including key Netflix areas
- 🔒 SmartPlay technology to bypass streaming media blocks
- 💳 Option to purchase dedicated IP address = lower chance of being blocked by Netflix
Cons:
- 🤔 Not the cheapest of VPN services
- ❌ No free version
So if you want a VPN that works great with Netflix (and who doesn’t?), then look no further than NordVPN. Thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, it provides lightning-fast download speeds, ensuring uninterrupted Netflix viewing. During our thorough testing (see below), we were able to access 21 different Netflix regions around the world with NordVPN.
With more than 5,500 servers in 60 different locations, NordVPN gives its customers a wide range of options for connecting to Netflix from anywhere in the world. The VPN service supports Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions and enables for simultaneous viewing on up to six devices running Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
By using NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology, smart TV owners may unblock Netflix from any location in the world. In addition, customers can pay for a static IP address, which Netflix is less likely to block.
In addition to the aforementioned reasons, NordVPN is great for accessing other geo-restricted content on the likes of BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, and YouTube TV; with its outstanding streaming options, streamlined interfaces, and access to Netflix content, NordVPN is our top pick for a VPN to use with Netflix.
Learn more about the features and capabilities of NordVPN by reading our in-depth review.
| ⭐ VPN Hound User Rating: | 4.7 |
| 📝 No logs policy: | No logs |
| 💯 Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV |
| 💵 Cheapest price: | $3.71/month (2-year plan) |
| 💥 Current deal: | Get 75% OFF + 3 Months FREE at NordVPN |
Limited Offer: ⚠️ Get 75% OFF + 3 Months FREE at NordVPN — today only!
2. Surfshark – Best budget-friendly option
With over 3,200 servers in 106 different locations, including specialized streaming servers, Surfshark is an excellent VPN for unblocking Netflix consistently.
Netflix libraries from the UK, US, India, Italy, South Korea, Poland, and Japan are just some of the countries it can unblock with relative ease – in our testing, we were particularly impressed with its ability to get round Netflix’s aggressive filters.
Surfshark provides VPN extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox in addition to its user-friendly programmes for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. In addition, customers can connect an unlimited number of devices to Surfshark at once to watch Netflix from a variety of regions.
Pros:
- 🌍 Access to around 30 Netflix libraries, including UK, US, Poland, India, and Japan
- 💰 Cheap prices! Particularly for 12- and 24-month subs
- 🚀 Vast server fleet of 3,200+ servers across 100 countries, including dedicated streaming servers
- 💻 User-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, with VPN extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox
- 🤝 Unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing access to Netflix on multiple devices at the same time
- 📺 SmartDNS feature to watch Netflix on devices that do not support VPNs
- 🔒 Additional unblocking capabilities for other streaming sites like BBC iPlayer and Apple TV
Cons:
- ❌ No free version
- 📉 Download speeds can occasionally be slower than NordVPN
SmartDNS is another service Surfshark provides, and it’s what lets you view Netflix on smart TVs and game consoles that don’t have VPN compatibility. It also allows you to access restricted content on the BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and Apple TV.
Surfshark’s user-friendly interfaces, large server network, and support for simultaneous Netflix streaming across several devices all add up to make it an outstanding VPN option for accessing different Netflix libraries. Check out our detailed Surfshark VPN review for more information.
Both NordVPN and Surfshark are excellent VPN services for accessing Netflix content. However, NordVPN has a slight edge over Surfshark in terms of its faster download speeds, greater number of Netflix libraries unblocked (21 vs. 30), and its SmartPlay technology, which allows users to bypass streaming media blocks more effectively.
| ⭐ VPN Hound User Rating: | 4.6 |
| 📝 No logs policy: | No logs |
| 💯 Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV |
| 💵 Cheapest price: | $2.49/month (24 month plan) |
| 💥 Current deal: | Click here for 60% OFF at Surfshark |
Limited Offer: ⚠️ Click here for 60% OFF at Surfshark — today only!
3. ExpressVPN – Not cheap, but otherwise almost perfect
As regular VPN Hound readers will know, ExpressVPN is one of our fave VPN services, and for good reason: it successfully unblocks content and grants access to many Netflix libraries. ExpressVPN’s fleet of more than 3,000 servers in 94 different locations ensures consistently fast connections, even for HD video viewing.
Pros:
- 📺 Unblocks over 20 global Netflix libraries
- 🌍 Large server fleet of 3,000+ servers across 94 countries
- 💻 Compatible with all major operating systems, gaming consoles, and streaming devices
- 🚀 Fast and stable connection speeds for HD streaming
- 🔒 Uses in-house-built Lightway tunneling protocol for enhanced security and performance
Cons:
- 💰 Slightly more expensive than some other VPN services
- 📉 Connection speeds may occasionally fluctuate
ExpressVPN is compatible with Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max among others; in addition to unblocking 20+ regional Netflix libraries throughout the world which it does with ease. In addition to it’s already fast connection speeds and secure network connection, their proprietary so-called Lightway tunnelling technique further improves both.
A router app/plugin is also now available, and what’s more ExpressVPN works with every major OS, games console and streaming device around – period. The drawback? Well, the maximum number of concurrent connections is 5, yet this is still a fantastic choice for protecting several gadgets with a VPN.
ExpressVPN’s yuge server network, lightning-fast connections, and top-level performance make it a top pick for streaming material from pretty much any location in the world. Read the VPN Hound comprehensive ExpressVPN review/article for more information.
Overall though, ExpressVPN is a recomended VPN service for bypassing blocks and for accessing Netflix content, with its massive server fleet, fast connection speeds, and of course its impressive compatibility with various devices/gadgets. 🙂
| ⭐ VPN Hound User Rating: | 4.8 |
| 📝 No logs policy: | No logs |
| 💯 Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV |
| 💵 Cheapest price: | $6.67/month (12 month plan) |
| 💥 Current deal: | Sign up Now for 60% OFF at ExpressVPN |
Limited Offer: ⚠️ Sign up Now for 60% OFF at ExpressVPN — today only!
Comparison of the top 3 VPNs for Netflix:
Here’s our rundown and side-by-side comparison of the top 3 VPN providers, for watching Netflix, regardless of location:
| VPN | Key Features | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 🌍 21 Netflix libraries unblocked 🔒 SmartPlay technology 🚀 Fast download speeds with NordLynx protocol 💻 User-friendly apps for most devices | 💰 Pricier than some other VPN services ❌ No free version |
| Surfshark | 🆓 Free trial available 🤝 Unlimited simultaneous connections 🔒 SmartDNS feature for devices that don’t support VPNs 🌍 Unblocks around 30 Netflix libraries | ❌ No free version |
| ExpressVPN | 📺 Unblocks ~ 20 Netflix libraries 🌍 Large server fleet of 3,000+ servers across 94 countries 💻 Compatible with most devices 🚀 Fast and stable connection speeds for HD streaming | 💰 Pricier than some other VPN services 🤝 Only 5 simultanous devices allowed |
Why You Can Trust VPN Hound
We're completely independent from any VPN provider or company. We've spent thousands of hours curating and hand-testing all the big & small VPN services, and have been doing so since 2018.VPNs tested:
82Total hours testing:
602Terabytes used:
300+IPs banned:
3Torrents tested:
1,200+Funds spent on testing:
$8,500+
Methodology – How we ranked these VPNs
Loads of websites ‘rank’ VPNs for Netflix – but they rarely tell how you they actually arrived at their decisions.
At VPN Hound, we like to be as open as possible. For this test, we pitted various VPN services against each other to see how well they unblocked Netflix. To generate reliable test results, we used our proprietary testing platform that mimics different locales, ISPs, and networks.
We checked each VPN’s capacity to unblock Netflix from many countries and also access its various libraries. We also streamed Netflix shows and movies in HD resolution and analyzed the VPN’s performance, latency, and stability.
To guarantee cross-platform compatibility, we put each VPN service through its paces on desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. We also looked at the VPN’s user-friendliness, availability of customer service, and security measures including encryption and a no-logs policy. Over the course of several weeks, the VPN Hound team of professionals ran these tests to guarantee we got back accurate AND consistent data. In order t ogive you, our readers, a thorough and informative analysis of the best VPNs for Netflix, we also took into account other variables, such as cost, payment choices, and VPN trial periods too; the results hopefully are useful to you – but let me know in the comments below.
Runner-Up: IPVanish
IPVanish didn’t quite make the grade here – but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good VPN for watching Netflix… far from it.
IPVanish is actaully very good for streaming Netflix, but only if you want to see content from the US or UK (library and non-library). With the company’s fleet of over 2,000 servers spread over 50 different locations, you can access material from Netflix libraries from a variety of countries. It doesn’t work so well in some countries though, for example our tests showed that it consistently failed to stream in Canada, Brazil, Australia and a few others.
The reason for these issues? Simply because IPVanish doesn’t have the huge variation of servers, which the likes of NordVPN or ExpressVPN do.
| ⭐ VPN Hound User Rating: | 4.3 |
| 📝 No logs policy: | No logs |
| 💯 Money-back guarantee: | 31 days |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV |
| 💵 Cheapest price: | $2.08/month (24 month plan) |
| 💥 Current deal: | Click here for 81% OFF at IPVanish |
Limited Offer: ⚠️ Click here for 81% OFF at IPVanish — today only!
But all that aside, IPVanish’s support for the WireGuard tunnelling technology ensures a fast and secure connection, essential for streaming services working without interruption.
IPVanish’s VPN software works on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS – plus it even offers a specialized app for the Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick. Meaning uou and your friends or family can all watch Netflix at the same time thanks to their unlimited simultaneous connections feature (similar to Surfshark).
So, in other words, IPVanish is a dependable and effective VPN that may let you get around Netflix’s regional limitations and watch shows and movies from certain countries like the US and UK. But for non-library content in other countries it isn’t as good, sadly, according to our testing. Where it does excerl is that it’s simple to set up and use, offers quick and reliable connections, and works with a wide variety of devices. Check out our review of IPVanish VPN for more details.
Should I use a VPN’s free trial to test the waters?
With all this blocking, it’s not surprising that you may be apprehensive and want to ‘trial’ a VPN first before paying…
A free trial with a VPN provider can certainly be a good way to test if it unblocks Netflix, though it will not provide the full experience of using a paid subscription. Why? Because VPN providers typically offer more servers and more locations with their paid plans, which gives their paying users more options for accessing different Netflix libraries.
Consider this also: free trials often come with data or bandwidth restrictions, which can reduce the quality of the streaming experience overall. It’s also worth noting that Netflix has gotten much better at identifying and blocking VPN connections, so even if a free trial works for a short amount of time, it may not work consistently in the long run.
So, while a free trial is a good place to start when looking for a VPN that works with Netflix, a paid subscription is, sadly, necessary to fully experience the benefits and reliability of a VPN service when streaming Netflix.
Which VPNs *don’t* work with Netflix?
Although the list changes frequently, some VPNs don’t work at all with Netflix. Here are a few examples:
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Despite having a vast server fleet, PIA VPN cannot unblock Netflix’s US or UK content surprisingly. Although, some users report that obscure servers may work.
- TorGuard VPN: This VPN isn’t the best for Netflix as it can’t unblock this streaming site. However, you won’t get any proxy error while trying to watch content available in your country.
- Mullvad VPN: Currently, Mullvad VPN only allows access to geo-blocked content on YouTube. It doesn’t permit access to Netflix or BBC iPlayer.
- AVG Secure VPN: AVG Secure VPN only unblocks BBC iPlayer and YouTube. Unfortunately, it fails to bypass Hulu and Netflix VPN blocks.
Why did my VPN used to work, but doesn’t now?
Netflix and VPN blocking has a long and complicated history: it’s really been a game of cat-and-mouse for several years now.
On one hand, Netflix has to comply with content distribution laws and agreements, which requires them to block access to certain libraries in certain countries – meh.
On the other hand, many people are trying to circumvent these restrictions by using VPNs, which can lead to a “whack-a-mole” situation where Netflix tries to block access to certain VPN servers, while VPN providers seek to find workarounds to maintain access for their customers.
This is all a result of several factors, including the technical complexity of VPN blocking and evasion, the competitive landscape of the VPN industry, and the constantly changing nature of Netflix’s content distribution agreements. As VPN providers develop new methods to evade blocking, Netflix may respond with more sophisticated detection mechanisms, leading to a continuous cycle of innovation and adaptation. Thankfully, you don’t need to keep abreast of these changes – as this is where VPN Hound steps in for you (find out more about us).
What about free VPNs?
Windscribe VPN is good shout here: it’s a free VPN that partially works with Netflix, allowing you to watch some of the restricted content by hiding your location. Windscribe is able to achieve this in part because it has servers in nations including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France, all of which have Netflix’s most popular content.
However, the most significant drawback of using Windscribe’s free version to stream Netflix is the usage restrictions: even on Windscribe’s free plan, you’ll only get 10GB of monthly data, which isn’t even close to enough to stream even a few of episodes of your favorite program in high definition (HD). This is a regular problem with free VPNs because they need to find a method to make money off of their service, and bandwidth caps are an easy target.
Of course, the premium edition of Windscribe includes additional server locations, making buffering isues/slower streaming speeds less of a problem – but you need to pay for that. Overcrowding and slower connection speeds are frequent problems with the ‘free’ plan, sadly. Overall then, it’s probably not the best choice unless you’re a light Netflix user and really want to avoid paying and are happy to put up with all the problems that a free VPN has.
Why should I use a VPN to access Netflix?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 🔓 Unlocks geo-restricted content | 💰 Additional cost for VPN subscription |
| 📱 Access to Netflix on all devices | 🔍 Some VPNs may not work with Netflix |
| 👍 Bypasses ISP throttling | 👎 Potential decrease in streaming quality/speed |
| 🛡️ Enhances online security and privacy | 🚫 Not all non-library content works |
| 👨👩👧👦 Multiple users can use the same VPN subscription |
Some people really do use a VPN exclusively to access Netflix, and thankfully it’s pretty easy once you’ve set everything up. But why would you?
To start, a VPN will allow you to watch Netflix from any location in the world. When it comes to media, one country may have access to shows or movies that another country does not. When you connect to a VPN server in a foreign nation, it will appear as though you are physically located in that country and using an IP address from that country – the best of both worlds 🙂
Secondly, you can use the same Netflix account on several devices at once with the best VPNs – sadly this is rarely possible with a free VPN. But if you have a VPN subscription, use it to access Netflix from any of your connected devices, including your phone, tablet, laptop, gaming console, and/or Smart TV. Limitless!
Another reason to use a VPN for Netflix is to access non-library content that is only available in certain regions. For example, Netflix sometimes releases exclusive movies or shows in select countries, and a VPN can allow you to access that content even if you’re not physically located in that country. This can be especially useful for fans of international cinema or TV shows.
Finally, a VPN can help avoid slowing down your connection by restricting your bandwidth. Sounds silly, but bear with me: This is because when streaming video content, such as Netflix, certain ISPs (internet service providers) may limit or throttle your connection speed; you might be able to increase your network speed and have a more pleasant streaming experience by using a VPN to encrypt your traffic and get around your ISP’s annoying throttling efforts, too!
Why isn’t my VPN working on Netflix?!
There are a few things you can do if you’ve been using a VPN to watch Netflix and suddenly found that it isn’t functioning.
To begin, see if you can access Netflix by connecting to a server in the same country. Even if your specific IP address is now unable to access Netflix, there are likely many others that can.
Also, don’t panic. It’s also possible that the problem is temporary; so waiting a little and trying again later can be helpful.
Don’t overlook the basics: Try contacting the support team of the VPN service you are using: their customer support team can advise you on which server to connect to for optimal Netflix performance, as each VPN company is different.
Lastly, you may also be able to buy a private (dedicated) IP address that no one else but you can use. With a fixed or static IP, Netflix is more likely to detect that you’re connecting using a VPN thus decreasing your likelihood of unblocking regionally restricted content in the process… So always go dedicated if possible.
This isn’t 100% foolrpoof though: keep in mind that even with a dedicated IP, you still may not be able to access all Netflix libraries because they are region-locked. Sorry!
Netflix Libraries & Countries – Which ones are working?
| VPN Company | No. of Libraries | Netflix Libraries |
|---|---|---|
| Surfshark VPN | 29 | Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, EU, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, US |
| NordVPN | 21 | Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, South Korea, EU, United Kingdom (UK), United States (US) |
| PrivateVPN | 21 | Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, UK, Ukraine, US. |
| IPVanish | 17 | Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Serbia, Switzerland, Taiwan, UAE, UK, US |
| Atlas VPN | 15 | Canada, Chile, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Serbia, Switzerland, UAE, UK, US |
| Ivacy VPN | 7 | Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, US, UK |
| PureVPN | 6 | Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, US, UK |
| Proton VPN | 5 | Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, US, UK |
| Norton VPN | 3 | Australia, France, Germany, Japan, UAE, US, UK |
| VyprVPN | 1 | Germany |
Today's Top Deals
Conclusion: Which is the best VPN(s) for Netflix?
All of the VPNs I’ve covered in this review are trustworthy and safe to rely on. They all feature a large selection of server locations, fast download times, and have robust security options.
When it comes to accessing different Netflix regions and maintaining a consistent streaming experience, companies like NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, and ExpressVPN stand out more than others… And, even though they may not be able to access as much restricted content as the bigger names, IPVanish, Atlas VPN, PrivateVPN, and Ivacy VPN are also viable alternatives – don’t overlook them.
As I’ve covered, not all VPNs are compatible with Netflix – I’m looking at the ‘free’ ones here in particular. Plus, Netflix’s VPN banning methods can also cause incompatibilities with certain VPN services and intermittent service outages, this is just the nature of the beast.
So, choose a VPN carefully here: remember to think about its server locations, connection speeds, security features, and device compatibility. If you use a VPN to access Netflix, you can watch all the episodes and movies you want without worry – mostly. 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions for Best VPN for Netflix
Yes, it's entirely legal to use a VPN for Netflix, But be aware that Netflix's terms of service expressly forbid the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to circumvent geo-restrictions!
Yes and no. If you choose a high-quality VPN provider with fast servers, the impact on your streaming speed should be minimal. And if your ISP throttles Netflix traffic, it may even speed it up.
Yes! A VPN gives you access to content that might not available in your country. By connecting to a VPN server in a different location, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access content from other countries, that's the entire point.
